Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and active service.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, and he is now rated at a 30 percent disability rating for Meniere's syndrome. The other issues were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with the most likely cause being noise exposure during active duty. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The current disabilities were not shown within one year of separation from service, nor can they be presumed due to exposure to noise during service.

The Veteran's hepatitis B is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that a higher initial rating for hepatitis B is not warranted at any time during the pendency of this claim.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify the Veteran's Coast Guard Reserve service and obtain any outstanding records. Additionally, a VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his in-service exposure to loud noises, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus were granted, with a noncompensable rating assigned. The claim for increased disability rating for prostate cancer was granted with a 10 percent evaluation, while the PTSD claim resulted in a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to February 10, 2005 for service connection are denied as there is no evidence of a claim being received within one year of discharge from active duty.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and tinnitus are not found to be related to her service or a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's tinnitus did not have its onset during service and was less likely than not caused by in-service acoustic trauma.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, including any noise exposure or meningitis. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of tinnitus and granted them. The Veteran's history of in-service noise exposure is credible, and his current tinnitus was present since service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder and granted service connection. The remaining issues were not addressed due to lack of merit.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus did not have its onset during active service or result from disease or injury in service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to service, while his tinnitus is not. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.